HC Deb 19 February 1929 vol 225 cc954-6
54. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is a settled practice that in connection with claims for unemployment benefit which are referred to a court of referees in Carmarthen the claimants have at attend 'before a court in another district; will he state the reason; and whether, in view of the fact that a local court in Carmarthen must have better knowledge of the local circumstances to enable it to come to a just decision, he will consider the advisability of altering the practice in that area?

Mr. BETTERTON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the nega- tive. Four courts were held at Carmarthen in January, and as far as practicable local cases are heard there. It is not always possible, however, to arrange this without holding up eases unduly.

Mr. KELLY

In view of the long distances which people have to travel in many parts of the country in order to appear before a court of referees, could the hon. Member see his way to make an increase in the number of the courts of referees?

Mr. BETTERTON

I think that is quite unnecessary. Where the applicant has to travel any distance to a court his train fare is paid, and courts are arranged for in the localities which are most convenient to claimants.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Is it not a fact that in this particular county the distances are very great, that the train services and omnibus services are inadequate, and that men spend a whole day in attending the court?

Mr. BETTERTON

I am not aware that the train services are inadequate. As I have said before, where a train journey has to be made the expenses of the claimant are paid.

Major PRICE

Would the hon. Member make a special inquiry into the conditions in this county and in the county of Pembrokeshire? The train services are awkward, and payment of train or omnibus fares only meets a part of the expense to which these men are put, because sometimes they are away from home for 12 hours.

Mr. BETTERTON

I did make a special inquiry, at the request of the hon. and gallant Member himself, and the result of my inquiry was that I thought there was no substantial case for an alteration of the existing arrangements.

Major PRICE

To my personal knowledge there are many cases in which—

HON. MEMBERS

Speech!

Mr. W. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, over and above the expenses allowed for travelling, anything is allowed for food?

Mr. BETTERTON

I should require notice of that question.